Wayne Thompson

Wayne B. Thompson, age 80, of Faribault, MN, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield, MN.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, with the Rev. Henry Doyle, officiating. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Friday for one hour prior to the services.

To honor Wayne's passion for Minnesota sports, all are welcome to wear their favorite team gear.

Wayne Burdette was born on July 10, 1937 in Albert Lea, MN to Melvin and Geraldine (Robinson) Thompson. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1955. Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Rose Kirsch on August 8, 1964 at St. Theodores Church in Albert Lea. Wayne served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He and Rose raised their family and traveled to many destinations through his military service including, New Jersey, Wiesbaden Germany, Colorado, Michigan, and Tampa, Florida when he retired. Wayne graduated from Faribault Vo-Tech with a degree in small engine repair. He worked for Faribault Rental for about 15 years, then with Four Seasons Small Engine Repair. He purchased the business and operated the repair shop for 22 years until he suffered a stroke, leading to his retirement. Wayne enjoyed fishing, wood working, hunting, crosswords, and working out with his buddies at Therapywerks/Anytime Fitness. Wayne also loved watching his favorite Minnesota sports teams, the Twins, Wild, and Vikings. He was a member of the NRA, North American Hunting Club, DAV, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his children, Marie McCarthy, Joseph Thompson, and Anthony (Theresa) Thompson, all of Faribault; six grandchildren, Zachary (Camille) McCarthy, Devon McCarthy, Paige McCarthy, and Bryce McCarthy, and Nathaniel Thompson and Wyatt Thompson; siblings, Shirley (Victor) Hennig of Blaine, MN, Ted (Joellen) Thompson of Stacy, MN, Gary (Pauline) Thompson of Lindstrom, MN, Linda Sjoquist of Blaine, MN, and Brian (Colleen) Thompson of Butte, MT; sisters-in-law, Betty Roche, Dorothy Kirsch, Jenny Kirsch, and Faith Kirsch, all of Albert Lea, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose on September 12, 1983; and parents, Melvin and Geraldine.